Winkelman, AZ Hail Storm – July 2026

Winkelman, Arizona experienced a concluded severe hail event on July 21, 2026, with peak hail reaching 1.28 inches and multiple NWS warnings issued through the afternoon.

What Happened

The storm moved through the Winkelman area in the late afternoon and produced a sequence of four NWS severe thunderstorm warnings between 2:11 PM MST and 3:27 PM MST. The alert timeline and hail estimates from the warning sequence were:

• July 21 · 2:11 PM MST (21:11 UTC) – NWS warning only, no hail estimate in that initial polygon.
• July 21 · 2:52 PM MST (21:52 UTC) – NWS warning only, hail estimate reported at 1.00 inch.
• July 21 · 3:06 PM MST (22:06 UTC) – NWS warning only, hail estimate reported at 0.75 inch.
• July 21 · 3:27 PM MST (22:27 UTC) – NWS warning only, hail estimate reported at 1.00 inch.

Warnings were driven by radar signatures that prompted NWS alerts across the local warning area. The warning sequence shows repeated updates over a roughly 75-minute window. The event is no longer active in the Winkelman metro.

Damage Assessment

Alerts during the event included hail-size estimates from 0.75 inch to 1.00 inch. Hail in that range commonly produces denting to vehicle body panels and can cause paint chips on exposed metal. Roofing composed of asphalt shingles can show accelerated granule loss; roof membrane punctures are less common but possible where shingles were already aged or poorly adhered.

Exposed mechanical equipment, skylights, and recreational structures are at higher risk than intact windows and newer roofing systems. Localized impacts can vary across the warning area depending on exposure and surface materials. Use on-site inspection photos and time-stamped records to document observed damage relative to the July 21 event.

What Contractors Should Know

Conduct systematic roof inspections focused on granule loss, bruising, lifted tabs, and any evident fractures. Photograph panels and shingles at close range with a scale reference. Prioritize vehicles and solar arrays for early assessment because dents and micro-cracks there are common at the reported sizes. Document pre-existing wear to separate new damage from prior conditions.

Estimate repair versus replacement by the condition of adhesive seals and the extent of granule depletion. For residential claims, produce a per-roof-area damage summary and include compass bearings for hail-exposed slopes. For commercial flat roofs, check flashings, rooftop equipment, and membrane integrity. Retain debris samples and label them with time and location for insurer review.

Purchase the Strike Map to view the precise hail track and the paid damage zone for this event.